White’s Boots x Franklin & Poe Semi-Dress – British Tan Cap Toe

For our latest collaboration with White’s Boots, we chose the 5″ Semi-Dress boot, one of their flagship models developed during the 1930s. First designed with store clerks and businessmen in mind, this boot is built on their renowned “55” last, which offers medium arch support and a roomy toebox. As the name suggests, the boot is the union of a work boot and a dress boot.

The first incarnation of the Semi-Dress sported a leather sole, and our goal was to bring the profile of the boot closer to that original. Together with White’s, we achieved this by reducing the midsole, upping the dress factor and increasing the boot’s overall flexibility and lightness. We wanted to maintain the modern durability of the Vibram rubber sole, which now which now extends back through the heel, lending the boot a more streamlined profile suiting city wear. 

This version in smooth British Tan Chromexcel leather from Horween, complete with a cap toe, is a move toward the Semi-Dress’ dressy side.